Cullen Margaret River Cabernet Merlot 2006

The second label to the Diana Madeline in the Cullen range, this is actually made pretty similarly to the flagship, though with less new oak. Sourced entirely from the Cullen Vineyards to boot, it is often ripping value.

This comes from the coolest vintage in Margaret River since 1982 and you can definitely see a bit of that here. It is very light, low in alcohol (12.5%) and the fruit is only just ripe (though not green).
Its more like a classic Claret style, but without the palate impact. On the nose its subtle, with cedary hints amid some repressed cassis fruit. The palate is well balanced, light and very tight, with a whack of oak in the back palate. No juicy fruits here, but there is enough cocoa bean edged currant to make it quite drinkable.

A true product from the season, it will definitely appreciate a yr or so in the cellar, but its a not unattractive proposition right now, particularly with roast lamb. 16.8/20